Savannah-area teachers are asking for a raise in next year’s public schools budget.

Theresa Watson is President of the Savannah Federation of Teachers. She’s one of two residents who spoke at a sparsely-attended public hearing before the board of the Savannah-Chatham County Public Schools on Wednesday.

Watson says it’s time for a cost-of-living increase.

“The cost of everything has risen, and yet those who serve our young children are expected to live on wages that remain behind the times,” Watson says.

Watson says new teachers earn, on average, around $35,000 per year.

A district spokesman says the proposal includes an increase in teacher pay based on years of service and level of education.

The board is expected to finalize the $497 million budget at a meeting on June 25. Click here for more information about upcoming hearings and the budget process.